NSE 50045 Achilles ready for working.
Name- Class 50 Locomotive.
Manufacturer- Hornby.
Liveries produced- NSE, BR blue, BR Large Logo, various names, numbers and finishes for some models.
Class History- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Class_50
Notes- This model is available in both Weathered and Un Weathered finishes for some liveries.
Available from- Most stockists.
Upgrading the model- Expressmodels for lighting http://www.expressmodels.co.uk/
The Hornby Class 50 is built to the same standard as it's other superdetailled models. Fine details include air pipes and ladders with sprung buffers, fine grilles and cab detail fitted. An interesting feature is the roof ran which sits behind a see through mesh and turns as the loco moves. This is a feature it shares with the same manufacturer's Class 31.
When running the Class 50 performs well. It takes to slow speeds well and due to a heavy weight will have good pulling power.
I have tested neither this or it's top speed but even at a third power it seems quite fast!
While heavy weight will mean good power, control and make the Loco less likely to derail it could bring some problems. Gradients would present a challenge to this loco and with a seemingly high top speed it should not be run on small radius curves.
Standard practice anyway maybe but if the beast were ever to leave the rails it would utterly demolish any scenery, trains or fingers in it's way!
That's not to say it has to be run fast. My example being in NSE Livery it's intended for passenger services. BR fans might run theirs on frieght duty or both. The lights are well done. A single white headlight at either end and yellow lit headcode boxes. Tail lights also nice and bright.
The fan is nice but not essential.
NEM couplings are included with this Loco. NEM sockets and slot into small slits above the bogies. Livery is well applied and weathered on this example. there was some dispute as to the grey on the NSE version which seems to have been resolved as a "revised" version is available. Mine being ex running stock bought cheap it's hard to say. I think it is also DCC ready although this is not stated on the box of my loco.
This Loco has tarction tyres. It doesn't seem to need them but they don't do any bad for it's performance. Other examples I am told do not have them fitted. Mine miight have seen alteration at some point or be a first run off. The first is more likely I think. Drive to all wheels and heavy weight should have been enough. Maybe Hornby weren't confident enough in this beast? If they weren't I am and I'd reccomend it to any modeller looking for some heavy duty power for their Layout!
Rating- 10/10
Good points- Powerful, fast, detailled, variety of liveries, names and finishes. Directional lighting, roof fan.
Bad points- None of note.
